Family Preparedness PlanPreparing The Community

By Preparing You

About Your Family Preparedness Plan A strong network of prepared people, families, and organizations is vital to our community’s successful response to any type of emergency event. Shawnee County is subject to a number of potential natural disasters such as tornados, fl ooding, winter storms and heat waves. There are also hazards from chemical or biological accidents, as well as, acts of terrorism. In addition, a fast-spreading infectious disease may cause our health care system to be overwhelmed, and large portions of our workforce may be too sick to work. Who is responsible for the health and welfare of you and your family in an emergency or disaster? Emergency services and government agencies may not be able to respond to your needs immediately. Their buildings, equipment, personnel, communications, and mobility may be severely hampered by the event.

So. . . Who is responsible for the health and welfare of you and your family in an emergency or disaster? YOU ARE!

Everyone needs to be prepared to survive on their own for a minimum of three days, and in some cases it may be necessary to stay home for 10 days.

We cannot stop these disasters from occurring, but we can limit their impact on us and on those we love. Proper planning and preparation will help you and your family stay safe. The most important concept in developing a Family Preparedness Plan is communication. Every member of the family needs to be involved so when disaster strikes everyone will know what to do and how to keep in touch. A great deal depends on how well you manage the aftermath of a disaster and on how well you prepare now – before a disaster strikes.

This booklet is intended to give you a format with suggestions about information you may want to include in a Family Preparedness Plan. This plan can be completed as an electronic version (downloadable from www.snco.us/ha/ga) then printed or print it and fi ll in by hand. If fi lled in by hand, it is suggested that a pencil be used for future corrections to information contained in the document. Consider saving your family plan to a CD or fl ash drive so you can grab it and go with confi dence that you have important information with you. Also included in this booklet is helpful information about water, food and utility issues you should consider prior to an emergency or disaster.

Once your family is prepared, it is time to look to your neighbors. In times of disaster your neighbors will probably be the fi rst ones available to come to your aid. Find out before disaster strikes what resources you share and how you can work together for the good of one another. Good luck! Don’t forget to review your plan every 6 months.

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FAMILY PREPAREDNESS PLAN UPDATES

Table of ContentsHousehold Members and Pet(s) Inventory ....................... 3Work, School, and Other Contacts ................................... 4Household and Vehicle Information .................................. 5Emergency Numbers ....................................................... 6Family/Friends/Neighbors ................................................ 7Out of Area Contact Information ....................................... 8Medication List .................................................................. 9Pharmacy/Specialists ..................................................... 10Additional Health Information.......................................... 11Utility and Service Contacts ............................................ 12Insurance/Other Information ........................................... 13Safe Meeting Place ........................................................ 14Home Layout/Diagram .................................................... 15Utility Control .................................................................. 16Water in an Emergency ..........................................17 & 18Food in an Emergency ...........................................19 & 20Generator Safety Tips .................................................... 20Important Notes and Procedures .............inside back cover

Shawnee County Health Agency gratefully acknowledges content contributions from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, The American Red Cross and The Salvation Army, as well as, formatting ideas from the University of Missouri Outreach and Extension and Kewaunee County, Washington.

HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS AND PET(S) INVENTORY

Household Member’sName

Date of Birth Relation Social Security Number Special Needs (Reference in detail on page 11)

Pet Name Gender/Age Breed License # Vet Name Phone Number Vaccinations/Date

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WORK, SCHOOL AND OTHER CONTACTS

Household Member Name Work/School Other

Address E-mail

Phone Alternate Phone

Household Member Name Work/School Other

Address E-mail

Phone Alternate Phone

Household Member Name Work/School Other

Address E-mail

Phone Alternate Phone

Household Member Name Work/School Other Address E-mail

Phone Alternate Phone

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HOUSEHOLD INFORMATION

Home Address:Phone #1: Phone #2:E-mail #1:E-mail #2:

VEHICLE INFORMATION

Make Model Year VIN # License Plate #Vehicle #1Vehicle #2

Vehicle #3

Vehicle #4

Company Phone # Policy #

Address E-mail

VEHICLE(S) INSURANCE

6EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Doctor #1 NameDoctor #2 NameDoctor #3 Name

Fire NumberPolice Number

Ambulance NumberPoison Control Number

Hospital Emergency Room NumberName/NumberName/NumberName/NumberName/NumberName/NumberName/Number

NOTE: After a disaster, 911 may not be working. Use the numbers as you listed above.

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FAMILY/FRIENDS/NEIGHBORS

Name Address Physical LocationFrom Home

Home # Work # E-mail Cell #

NOTE: Identify two neighbors. Agree to check on each other. NOTE: People with disabilities are advised to identify two or three people at work, school, neighborhood, etc. who will assist them in the event of a disaster.

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OUT-OF-AREA CONTACT #1 8

Name Home Address Home Phone E-mail Address

Relationship Work Address Work Phone Cell Phone Number

OUT-OF-AREA CONTACT #2Name Home Address Home Phone E-mail Address

Relationship Work Address Work Phone Cell Phone Number

IMPORTANT: During disasters, use phone for emergencies only. Local phone lines may be tied up. Make one call out-of-area to report in. Let this person contact others.

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MEDICATION LIST (HOUSEHOLD)User Medication Name Dosage/Frequency Reason for Taking Prescription # Date Started/Ending Location of Medicine

MEDICATION LIST (PETS)

10PHARMACY/SPECIALISTS

Pharmacy Name(s) Pharmacist Name Phone/Address

Pharmacist Name Phone/Address

Specialist Name Area of Concern Phone

Organization Address

Specialist Name Area of Concern Phone

Organization Address

NOTE: Fill this and all sections out in pencil. Update regularly. If additional information is needed, tape or staple another sheet of paper to this page.

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ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Name Medication/Allergies Additional Health Information and/or Disability

Special Equipment, Supplies, Dietary Needs, etc.

UTILITY AND SERVICE CONTACTS

Electric: Address Contact

Note Phone

Gas: Address Contact

Note Phone

Water/Sewer: Address Contact

Note Phone

Phone: Address Contact

Note Phone

Trash: Address Contact

Note Phone

Cable: Address Contact

Note Phone

Home Medical Services/Supplies: Address Contact

Note Phone

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INSURANCE/OTHER INFORMATION

Type of Insurance Business Name Policy#/Other Information Business Phone

Health

Life

Home

Auto

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In or Around House/Apartment Inside House/Apartment

Outside House/Apartment

When Family is Not Home Priority Location

(Leave note in a designated place where you will be: i.e., neighbor, relative, park, school, shelter, etc.)

NOTE: Identify and discuss with household members the reunion places if a disaster prevents anyone from entering the home. Also, reunion and evacuation procedures need to include children at school and house members with disabilities. Talk to school offi cials. Write down procedures.

SAFE MEETING PLACE

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NOTE: Make sure you include locations of utility shutoffs and safety equipment like fi re extinguishers, disaster supplies, etc.

HOME LAYOUT/DIAGRAM Draw a layout of your home.

16UTILITY CONTROLElectricity:In the event that you need to turn off the electricity in your house, go to the breaker box and do the following:1. Turn off smaller breakers one by one2. Flip the “main” breaker lastTo re-energize your home, reverse the steps above.

Water:In the event you need to shut water off inside your home, fi nd the main water valve and turn it to your right. To open the fl ow of water back into the house, turn it to your left.

Gas:IMPORTANT – Only turn off the valves at the meter if you smell gas!To turn off natural gas in your house, take a wrench and tighten it on to the quarter turn valve that is on the pipe that feeds into the gas meter.Turn it one-quarter turn to make the indicator parallel to the ground. In most locations, once you do this you cannot turn the gas back on to the house without the utility company.

Propane: If you live in an area that uses outdoor propane or LPG you will fi nd this outside the home. Open the top of the tank and you will see either a regular turn knob or a quarter turn valve. Turn the knob to your right to shut off the fl ow of propane into your house. For quarter turn valve see above.

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WATER IN AN EMERGENCYHidden Water Sources in Your HomeIf a disaster catches you without a stored supply of clean water, you can use the water in your hot-water tank, pipes and ice cubes. As a last resort, you can use water in the reservoir tank of your toilet (not the bowl).Do you know the location of your incoming water valve? You’ll need to shut it off to stop contaminated water from entering your home if you hear reports of broken water or sewage lines.

To use the water in your pipes, let air into the plumbing by turning on the faucet in your house at the highest level. A small amount of water will trickle out. Obtain water from the lowest faucet in the house. To use the water in your hot-water tank, be sure the electricity or gas is off, and open the drain at the bottom of the tank. Start the water fl owing by turning off the water intake valve and turning on a hot-water faucet. Do not turn on the gas or electricity when the tank is empty.

Three Ways to Purify WaterIn addition to having a bad odor and taste, contaminated water can contain microorganisms that cause diseases such as dysentery, typhoid and hepatitis. You should purify all water of uncertain purity before using it for drinking, food preparation or hygiene. There are many ways to purify water. None is perfect. Often the best solution is a combination of methods. Two easy purifi cation methods are outlined below. These measures will kill most microbes but will not remove other contaminants such as heavy metals, salts and most other chemicals. Before purifying, let any suspended particles settle to the bottom, or strain them through layers of paper towel or clean cloth.BOILING – Boiling is the safest method of purifying water. Bring water to a rolling boil for 3 to 5 minutes, keeping in mind that some water will evapo-rate. Let the water cool before drinking. Boiled water will taste better if you put oxygen back into it by pouring the water back and forth between two clean containers. This will also improve the taste of stored water.

DISINFECTION – You can use household liquid bleach to kill microorganisms. Use only regular household liquid bleach that contains 5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite. Do not use scented bleaches, color-safe bleaches or bleaches with added cleaners. Add 16 drops of bleach per gallon of water, stir and let stand for 30 minutes. If the water does not have a slight bleach odor, repeat the dosage and let stand another 15 minutes. The only agent used to purify water should be household liquid bleach. Other chemicals, such as iodine or water treatment products sold in camping or surplus stores that do not contain 5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite as the only active ingredient, are not recommended and should not be used.

While the two methods described above will kill most microbes in water, distillation will remove microbes that resist these methods, and heavy metals, salts and most other chemicals.

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DISTILLATION – Distillation involves boiling water and then collecting the vapor that condenses back to water. The condensed vapor will not include salt and other impurities. To distill, fi ll a pot halfway with water. Tie a cup to the handle on the pot’s lid so that the cup will hang right-side-up when the lid is upside-down (make sure the cup is not dangling into the water) and boil the water for 20 minutes. The water that drips from the lid into the cup is distilled.

How to Store WaterStore your water in thoroughly washed plastic, glass, fi berglass or enamel-lined metal containers. Never use a container that has held toxic substances. Plastic containers, such as soft drink bottles, are best. You can also purchase food-grade plastic buckets or drums. Seal water containers tightly, label them and store in a cool, dark place. Rotate water every six months.

Emergency Outdoor Water SourcesIf you need to fi nd water outside your home, you can use these sources. Be sure to purify the water according to the instructions before drinking it.

• Rainwater• Streams, rivers and other moving bodies of water• Ponds and lakes• Natural springs• Avoid water with fl oating material, an odor or dark color. Use saltwater only if you distill it fi rst. You should not drink fl oodwater.

If an earthquake, hurricane, winter storm or other disaster strikes your community, you might not have access to food, water and electricity for days, or even weeks. By taking some time now to store emergency food and water supplies, you can provide for your entire family. This information was developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in cooperation with the American Red Cross and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Having an ample supply of clean water is a top priority in an emergency. A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers and ill people will need even more. You will also need water for food preparation and hygiene. Store a total of at least one gallon per person, per day. You should store at least a two-week supply of water for each member of your family. If supplies run low, never ration water. Drink the amount you need today, and try to fi nd more for tomorrow. You can minimize the amount of water your body needs by reducing activity and staying cool.

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FOOD IN AN EMERGENCYShort - Term Food SuppliesEven though it is unlikely that an emergency would cut off your food supply for two weeks, you should prepare a supply that will last that long. The easi-est way to develop a two-week stockpile is to increase the amount of basic foods you normally keep on your shelves.

Storage Tips• Keep food in a dry, cool spot—a dark area if possible.• Keep food covered at all times.• Open food boxes or cans carefully so that you can close them tightly after each use.• Wrap cookies and crackers in plastic bags, and keep them in tight containers.• Empty opened packages of sugar, dried fruits and nuts into screw-top jars or air-tight cans to protect them from pests.• Inspect all food for signs of spoilage before use.• Use foods before they go bad, and replace them with fresh supplies, dated with ink or marker. Place new items at the back of the storage area and older ones in front.

Nutrition TipsDuring and right after a disaster, it will be vital that you maintain your strength. So remember:

• Eat at least one well-balanced meal each day.• Drink enough liquid to enable your body to function properly (two quarts a day).• Take in enough calories to enable you to do any necessary work.• Include vitamin, mineral and protein supplements in your stockpile to assure adequate nutrition.

When Food Supplies Are LowIf activity is reduced, healthy people can survive on half their usual food intake for an extended period and without any food for many days. Food, unlike water, may be rationed safely, except for children and pregnant women.

If your water supply is limited, try to avoid foods that are high in fat and protein, and don’t stock salty foods, since they will make you thirsty. Try to eat salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals and canned foods with high liquid content.

You don’t need to go out and buy unfamiliar foods to prepare an emergency food supply. You can use the canned foods, dry mixes and other staples on your cupboard shelves. In fact, familiar foods are important. They can lift morale and give a feeling of security in time of stress. Also, canned foods won’t require cooking, water or special preparation.

Special ConsiderationsAs you stock food, take into account your family’s unique needs and tastes. Try to include foods that they will enjoy and that are also high in calories and nutrition. Foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking are best. Individuals with special diets and allergies will need particular attention, as will babies, toddlers and elderly people. Nursing mothers may need liquid formula, in case they are unable to nurse. Canned dietetic foods, juices and soups may be helpful for ill or elderly people.Make sure you have a manual can opener and disposable utensils. And don’t forget nonperishable foods for your pets.

How to Cook If the Power Goes OutFor emergency cooking you can use a fi replace, or a charcoal grill or camp stove can be used outdoors. You can also heat food with candle warmers, chafi ng dishes and fondue pots. Canned food can be eaten right out of the can. If you heat it in the can, be sure to open the can and remove the label fi rst.

GENERATOR SAFETY TIPS

The following modifi ed information, developed by the Red Cross with technical advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Fire Protection Association (publisher of the National Electric Code ®) and the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, is provided to address questions about using a generator when disaster strikes. The full Fact Sheet: Using a Generator When Disaster Strikes is available at http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_565_,00.html.

Using a GeneratorThe primary hazards to avoid when using a generator are carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from the toxic engine exhaust, electric shock or electrocution, and fi re. Follow the directions supplied with the generator. Every year, people die in incidents related to portable generator use.

Under no circumstances should portable generators be used indoors, including inside a garage, carport, basement, crawlspace, or other enclosed or partially-enclosed area, even with ventilation. Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent CO buildup in the home. The CO from generators can rapidly lead to full incapacitation and death, but CO can’t be seen or smelled. Even if you cannot smell exhaust fumes, you may still be exposed to CO. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air RIGHT AWAY - DO NOT DELAY.

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IMPORTANT NOTES AND PROCEDURES

Shawnee County Health Agency1615 SW 8th AvenueTopeka, KS 66606(785) 368-2000